In most hospital IT conversations, “integration” usually refers to linking the Hospital Information System (HIS) with the ERP. Everyone talks about what to integrate—admissions, billing, pharmacy, payroll, inventory. But here’s the more strategic question: 👉 How often should data move between HIS and ERP?
Because integration isn’t just about connectivity. It’s about timing. And timing directly impacts:
- Patient discharge speed
- Procurement efficiency
- Revenue visibility
- Audit readiness
Sync Models: Let Business Priorities Set the Pace
The goal isn’t to make everything real-time. It’s to know what must be—and what works better with time.
| Sync Model | Where It Fits |
|---|---|
| Real-Time | When delays directly impact patient care or revenue |
| Auto-Sync | Every 5–15 mins for near real-time flows |
| T+1 Batch | End-of-day syncs for reconciliations, mapping, and approvals |
| Manual/Event-Based | Where deliberate review or human action is needed |
Real-Time Sync: Where Delays Hurt the Most
These scenarios demand speed—not just for convenience, but for outcomes.
T+1 Batch Sync: When Accuracy > Speed
Some processes benefit from validation and reconciliation. That’s where batch sync makes more sense.
Integration Isn’t Just IT Work. It’s a Business Decision.
A simple test for any hospital CXO: “Is our data moving at the pace of our operations?”
Integration that’s not time-aware leads to slower discharges, revenue posting delays, inventory blind spots, and manual reconciliation headaches. What we need is workflow-based integration, not just system connectivity.
Key Takeaway: Align Sync Frequency with Business Triggers
You don’t need everything real-time. You need real-time where it drives patient care and cash flow, and batch where controls and accuracy matter. The difference isn’t technical—it’s tactical.
Want to audit or rethink your HIS–ERP sync design? Let’s talk.
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